Academic advisors support exploratory students as they go through the first-year process of choosing a major and transitioning into the appropriate college at FIU.

Exploratory students meet with an advisor during Freshman Orientation to develop an academic plan for their first two semesters. Advising for future semesters focuses on degree requirements and is tailored to students' academic performance and career goals.

Contact us at exploratory@fiu.edu for more information.

Exploratory Studies Tracks

The Exploratory advising team is dedicated to supporting you in exploring majors and career paths to help you make a well-informed decision and declare a major that aligns with your interests, skills and goals by the time you’ve earned 30 credits at FIU. Learn more about our tracks through our Q & A videos.

  • Administration and Management

    This track contains majors that are ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in business or managerial positions, such as Business, Hospitality Management, and Recreation & Sports Management. Professions span multiple industries to include hospitality, health care and public and nonprofit sectors.

  • Biological and Environmental Sciences

    The Biological and Environmental Science track contains majors that are ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in conservation, genetic counseling, environmental law, meteorology, epidemiology, microbiology, laboratory management, or graduate studies. Majors in this area include Biological Sciences, Sustainability & The Environment, Geology, and Environmental Sciences.

  • Global and Social Sciences

    Students pursuing the Global & Social Sciences track can declare programs such as Psychology, Global & Sociocultural Studies, Economics, International Relations, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Asian Studies, Women & Gender Studies, and more. With a major in these areas, students can pursue careers in government, public affairs, education, law, and library studies.

  • Humanities and Arts

    Students within the Humanities & Arts have a wealth of options. In artistic and creative fields, students can pursue programs in Architecture, Art History, Fine Arts, Music, and Theatre. Some of these programs are limited-access, requiring an audition or portfolio. Within the Humanities, Philosophy, English, History, and Religious Studies are also offered. Career opportunities include graphic design, museum curator, stage designer and more.

  • Health Sciences

    The Health Sciences track can assist students with the goal of declaring a major in the field of health sciences or advocacy work. Health science majors include Dietetics & Nutrition, Health Services Administration, Nursing, Rehabilitation & Recreational Therapy, Psychology, and more. Students can pursue a career as a Registered Nurse, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Dietician.

  • Physical Sciences and Engineering

    The Physical Science and Engineering exploratory area contains majors that are ideal for students who are strong in math and have an interest in pursuing engineering and computing fields or who are considering studies in chemistry, physics, or mathematics.

Courses

FIU offers two elective courses that are helpful for exploratory students.

SLS 3407 (1 credit): Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of career development strategies and clarify interests and skills as related to major/career choice.

SLS 1402 (1 credit): This course is designed for exploratory students. Through the process of self-exploration and career planning, students will learn how to match their interests and skills to an appropriate major/career.

Resources to Assist When Selecting a Major

The Exploratory advising team is dedicated to supporting you in exploring majors and career paths to help you make a well-informed decision and declare a major by the time you’ve earned 30 credits at FIU! Here are the steps to help you declare a major that fits your interests, skills, and goals.

Deciding on a major was a difficult decision to make. I wanted to learn everything I possibly could ... I worried that if I was forced to pick before I'd gotten a feel for what I enjoyed studying, I'd be stuck in the wrong major. Luckily, [the exploratory program] allowed me to explore through all my options.

Daniela Gutierrez